Communication

The baccalaureate degree program in Communication is a demanding curriculum designed to provide strong options and prepare the student for entry into the field of communication. The program integrates a basic core of communication skill and theory courses in Advertising, Contemporary Journalism, Digital Film Making, or Media Studies. When combined with the strong liberal arts background provided by the College’s core curriculum, the student is amply prepared to enter the industry.

Opportunities for intense, professional application in individual interest areas are available through a series of internships including the semester-long internship and the senior thesis in the final year. Students in the Digital Film Making and Contemporary Journalism concentrations may opt to do a hands-on thesis project in their senior year. ECTV, the College’s 24-hour, closed circuit cable television and radio network, is available to showcase student productions, including news broadcasts.

The Advertising concentration requires seven courses in addition to the Communication Core. These courses provide an overview of the wide variety of activities that make up the ever-changing and evolving world of advertising and public relations. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills that are necessary to function in the demanding environment of advertising and marketing communications. The concentration gives students a basic understanding of the industry and prepares them to succeed as they move into their one-month and semester-long internships.

The Contemporary Journalism concentration requires seven courses in addition to the Communication Core. Journalism, in its many forms, from broadcast and print to online publications holds a significant historical and social presence world-wide. These courses provide students with a look at the way the “news of the day” is communicated as well as the way our reality is constructed via the media. This concentration provides an overview of the field and gives students the basic skills to craft a view of the world for others.

The Digital Film Making concentration requires seven courses in addition to the Communication Core. These courses provide students with a complete understanding of basic video production techniques and aesthetics. Hands-on experience in the Scangas Center’s state-of-the-art digital television studio combined with an extensive use of field equipment give students an understanding of the challenges they will face when they go out on their internships. The history, market, and regulatory environment of the industry are also covered in courses that prepare students for managerial roles in this exciting and expanding industry.

The Media Studies concentration requires seven courses in addition to the Communication Core. The Media Studies concentration allows students to explore, on a more substantial level, the impact media has on a global society. This concentration is designed for students looking for a more scholarly degree in the field. Media-related social and critical issues as they relate to the media are explored in depth through course work. This concentration provides students with the skills they need to be successful in graduate programs.

Internships are an integral part of the curriculum. Through multi-level experiences in industry, students learn how to prepare for their professions.

Examples of Internships Include:

Arnold World-Wide Advertising
Boston Bruins
Hill, Holiday Advertising
Fox-TV
Boston Magazine
WHDH-TV
Regan Communications
Methuen Community Access TV
Community Newspaper Company
Lawrence Eagle Tribune
Northeast Health System - PR Department
North Shore Medical Center - PR Department
Needham Times
The Late Show with David Letterman
The Israeli Consulate
MTV
Mullen Advertising
New England Sports Network
WCVB-TV, Channel 5
WJMN- 94.5 FM